"Assam’s diversity cannot be distorted": Akhil Gogoi

Raijor Dal president and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi on Monday, January 12 launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Assam government and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma while addressing a massive public rally at Geramari under the Gauripur Assembly constituency. Organised by the Dhubri District Raijor Dal with support from the Gauripur Constituency Committee, the rally drew thousands of supporters, largely from minority communities.

In a fiery address, Gogoi sharply criticised Rezaul Karim Sarkar, demanding an unconditional apology for his remarks, which he said were divisive and harmful to Assam’s social fabric. Emphasising the state’s cultural and regional diversity, Gogoi asserted that every region has its own identity and warned against attempts to homogenise Assam’s pluralistic character. He alleged that such irresponsible statements only help strengthen the BJP’s political narrative.

Taking direct aim at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Gogoi accused the state government of fostering an atmosphere of fear and intolerance. He claimed that citizens were increasingly feeling insecure about their identities in public spaces under the current regime. Referring to his long history of political activism, Gogoi said he remained undeterred by threats of arrest, noting that he had been jailed 36 times and faced over 165 cases for leading movements in support of farmers and the poor.

Recalling his visits to Dhubri during periods of eviction and demolition, Gogoi alleged that BJP leaders had failed to stand by affected families, while he personally visited and extended solidarity to those displaced. He accused the ruling party of deliberately distorting facts to malign him politically.

Gogoi also criticised the Chief Minister’s record in the education sector, alleging that despite holding ministerial positions for nearly two decades, basic infrastructural and administrative issues in government lower primary schools remained unaddressed.

Laying out an ambitious policy roadmap, Gogoi announced that a Raijor Dal government would ensure land pattas for all eligible landholders and rehabilitate erosion-affected families with land. He promised free irrigation facilities for agricultural fields, free electricity for farmers, distribution of tractors at the village level, and a complete waiver of land revenue.

He further pledged that the government would procure agricultural produce directly from farmers at fair prices, ensuring they are no longer forced to sell their crops at distress rates. Highlighting employment generation, Gogoi announced plans for free skill training programmes for domestic workers, drivers, nurses, construction workers, and youths migrating outside Assam in search of jobs. He also proposed village-level enterprises and training schools to tackle unemployment.

Concluding his address, Gogoi appealed to the people of Assam to support Raijor Dal, asserting that a change in government was essential to protect the rights and livelihoods of farmers, labourers, and marginalised communities across the state.